HMX Game1989 vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound signature, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a substantial tactile feedback and a smooth keystroke experience. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 features a clacky and high-pitched auditory profile, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced sound while typing or gaming. Additionally, the Lightning Silver V3 boasts a unique light diffuser that enhances RGB illumination, adding an eye-catching flair to any keyboard setup. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, they deliver varying auditory and aesthetic experiences that could influence your selection. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches, both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. The use of polycarbonate in both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiff nature. This material choice enhances resonance and clarity, which is particularly beneficial if RGB lighting is integrated, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. Consequently, both switches share similar auditory characteristics in terms of the sound produced when a key is pressed or released, making them well-suited for users who appreciate a brighter sound profile.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches differ significantly. The HMX 1989 employs nylon for its bottom housing, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder, more muted auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, echoing the properties of its top housing. This choice leads to a consistent sharpness and resonance throughout the keypress, resulting in a sound profile that contrasts with that of the HMX 1989. The impact of this variance in materials means that the overall user experience will differ significantly when feeling and hearing the bottom-out sound of the switches.
Given the differences in bottom housing materials, the HMX 1989 and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 will deliver different sound experiences and tactile feedback. Those who prefer a more pronounced sound from the bottom-out action would likely gravitate towards the HMX 1989's nylon housing, while users looking for uniformity in sound and feel might appreciate the Everglide Lightning Silver V3's fully polycarbonate composition. Ultimately, while both switches share the same top housing material leading to similar upper sound qualities, the contrasting materials used in their lower housings highlight the unique profiles and experiences that these switches offer.
Weight
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option that might appeal to users looking for a switch that allows for extended typing sessions with less strain. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch that offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feel. Therefore, the HMX 1989 is the lighter of the two switches, offering easier activation compared to the heavier Lightning Silver V3. Users will find that the lighter actuation of the HMX 1989 could lead to faster typing speeds and reduced fatigue, while the stronger actuation of the Lightning Silver V3 provides more tactile feedback for those who favor a pronounced push when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there is a distinct difference in their measurements. The HMX 1989 boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for deeper keystrokes that many typists and gamers appreciate for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to the growing trend among gamers who favor quicker response times that shorter distances can provide. Therefore, if you lean towards a more responsive feel, the Lightning Silver V3 is the preferable option, while those who appreciate a heartier depth in their keystrokes may find the HMX 1989 more appealing. This variability in travel distances caters to different user preferences, making each switch suitable for distinct typing or gaming styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The HMX 1989 linear switch, known for its deep and thocky qualities, contrasts sharply with the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, which produces a distinctly clacky and high-pitched sound. While the HMX 1989's sound signature is characterized by a rich bass-like thock, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a sharper, more percussive auditory experience that is crisp and bright. The difference in sound is significant; where the 1989 provides a satisfying, deep resonance ideal for those who enjoy a thocky feel, the Lightning Silver V3 caters to enthusiasts who prefer a snappy, lively auditory feedback. This means that typing on the 1989 will generally produce a more subdued sound profile, while the Lightning Silver V3 will deliver a more energetic and attention-grabbing sound, making it a choice for those who appreciate a dynamic keystroke.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989’s tactile characteristics are best described as thocky, providing an immersive experience with a satisfying resistance when pressed. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth and silky feel, allowing for seamless transitions between keystrokes. This might lead to a rather different typing experience; the 1989 may provide a robust feedback ideal for gamers and typists seeking a more pronounced keystroke sensation, while the Lightning Silver V3 caters to those aiming for a fluid and effortless experience. The choice between these switches will heavily depend on personal preference for either a more tactile engagement or a smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX 1989 and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different typing preferences. The 1989 excels with its thocky sound and engaging feedback, while the Lightning Silver V3 provides a lively clacky sound alongside an incredibly smooth feel. Those looking for a deeper auditory experience should lean towards the 1989, while those who prioritize slick performance and high-pitched feedback may prefer the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, your preference will dictate which switch aligns better with your typing style and sound design of your setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch largely depends on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing dynamics. If you prefer a switch that provides a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams with a deeper, thockier sound—ideal for a rich auditory experience—then the 1989 is a fantastic choice for both casual typing and gaming. Its unique characteristics may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced thock when bottoming out. Conversely, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a slightly firmer tactile experience with a bottom-out force of 60 grams and a brighter, clacky sound signature, then the Lightning Silver V3 will suit your needs perfectly. Its silky smooth feel enhances the typing experience, making it an excellent option for fast-paced gaming or typing where the immediate tactile response is crucial. Ultimately, consider the sound profile and the force you prefer for the most enjoyable typing experience.
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